York Region teacher wins ETFO anti-racism, equity activism award

Carlos Ponce Tovar conducts an annual survey to ask students if they see their identities reflected

Yorkregion.com
August 19, 2019
Dina Al-Shibeeb

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented York Region teacher Carlos Ponce Tovar with its 2019 Anti-Racism and Equity Activism Award.

As a French teacher at Barbara Reid Public School, Ponce Tovar organized a Girls’ Studies Club facilitated by a female colleague and started a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) with intermediate students named “Pride Pack.”

He also conducts an annual survey among students asking if they see their identities reflected at the school in order to help support under-served students, including Indigenous students and those with special education needs.

On top of that, Ponce Tovar has had students undertake a Compassion Project, for which they identify a marginalized group in their community and think of a way to make a positive change.

Ponce Tovar told Yorkregion.com that he feels “very valued,” “honoured and recognized” with this award.

“It does really inspire,” he said, adding, “sometimes you have hiccups and it pulls you down, but things like this foster leadership.”

Growing up, Ponce Tovar, who is bisexual, described what he perceived to be a “heteronormative” culture. He wanted to see that change.

He didn’t experience any issues when coming out, but he has seen the difficulties faced by his husband and others.

“On a personal note, I always strived to see what I would like to see when I was growing up in school,” he said.

The teacher really listens.

Last year, he veered off his proposal to make a buddy bench at the school following students’ feedback. They explained to him that it will make the individual student feel more “visibly lonely.”

When asked about his students' reaction to his efforts, he said he received a “beautiful letter” from a graduating student who felt “positive” and “happy” that she started at the school.

This is not the first award for him. In 2016, Ponce Tovar won ETFO’s Rainbow Visions Award for his work in creating a positive space for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students while teaching at Castlemore Public School.

“Carlos has done an enormous amount of work to ensure that staff receive professional learning on equity issues and that students have a much deeper understanding of what inclusion looks like,” said ETFO President Sam Hammond.

“Carlos’ work embodies ETFO’s equity and social justice principles to ensure that public elementary students value inclusive and supportive classrooms and communities.”